Director of the UNESCO office for the Caribbean, Dr Kwame Boafo, says a more inclusive approach is needed to solve Jamaica's education problems.

"There are many aspects of the education system which require transformation to bring about the desired impact and help move the Jamaican society towards its articulated development goals and national vision," he said.

"These many dimensions of improving the quality of education include school environment, facilities, availability of textbooks, governance and management."

Boafo was addressing the Jamaica Teachers' Association's (JTA) 45th annual conference at the Sunset Jamaica Grande hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

An inclusive approach, he explained, would serve as a stimulus to improve the quality of education which, among other things, must be relevant to empower people to exercise their rights while building a stronger sense of responsibility.

Transformation process

In underlining the importance of education, Boafo also included in the transformation process better treatment for the nation's teachers.

According to Boafo, the best and most relevant education system would transform society through cultivating critical thinking, ethics and justice.

"Teachers have a vital responsibility in that kind of education system."

He added: "To adapt to a perpetual stage of flux and respond effectively to the demanding challenges they face, the teachers need continuous technical, monetary, moral and other support. Given the high expectations placed on teachers by society, governments (of the Caribbean) would be well advised to place a premium on developing their qualifications, their recruitment, enhancing their capabilities and improving their working conditions."

Boafo questioned whether the society was prepared to make sufficient investment in preparing teachers for the formidable tasks ahead. He said that relatively little was being done to motivate teachers in many countries.

"In many countries, the teaching environment is not what it used to be. Issues of behaviour and social attitudes in the ever-changing child and youth culture bring additional challenges. Coupled with increasingly heavy workload, the pressures of changing professional and social roles have made teaching one of the most stressful professions of the 21st century," the UNESCO director said.

The three-day conference ends today.

- C.G.